Curt Schilling's Official Blog

Q & A X

A couple people have asked about the ‘bracelet’ I am wearing on my left wrist. The bracelet says “Cure SMA”. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the spinal cord and is the #1 genetic killer of kids under the age of 2. It is a disease that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control and even swallowing. One in every 6,000 babies is born with SMA. It can strike anyone of any age, race or gender. One in every 40 people carries the gene that causes SMA. The child of two carriers has a one in four chance of developing SMA.

Now the tie-in here is my 7 year old son Grant. His best buddy in the world is named Will Johnson. If anyone happened to see the episode of Extreme Home Makeover that was done in Medfield last year, that was done for Will’s family. Will is a HUGE Sox fan and an incredible kid. The website www.curesma.org is a great place to get information, offer help and become more aware of something that is truly a horrific thing. If you do stop by, even just to read up a bit, thanks.

Now onto questions.

Q- When you know you’re only going to throw 55 pitches (or any other number for that matter), do you do anything differently to prepare than you would for a “normal” start?

A- Knowing you won’t go nine, or have a chance to go nine is not a great thing. That’s always been part of the attraction of starting to me, the chance to be standing on the mound with 26 outs in the books, and the games final out on you. It’s a rush, so taking that away does affect me. The difference for me is that I’ve been able to get to a point that when I know that sort of thing going in I can setup ‘tasks’ for a game, a checklist of things I want to accomplish within the pitch count of that game. The ultimate goal is to get your pitch count to a level that the coaching staff isn’t keeping an eye on the pitch count on opening day, moreso than they might as the season moves along.

Q- 1. How often do you let tek call the games? Is it only when you don’t feel like you have it?

A- So many factors go into that. Depends on how I feel mentally, the team we are facing, ‘Tek’s feel for the game as well.

Q- 2. Luckie enough to be listening to EEI on the day that you called in and gave it to Butch….My jaw was somewhere around my ankles. How often do you listen to EEI?

A- I’ve got a 45 minute drive into Fenway everyday so most days I’ll tune in and listen. How long I listen usually depends on the topic being discussed and the people that are doing the discussion.

Q- Remy & Don were saying you were throwing all fast balls in the fifth. Were they being accurate or were you using something else?

A- I think I threw a lot of fastballs in that final inning. Though the final two pitches were splits. The first was a great one that Rondell didn’t chase, the second was an overthrown one that hung up long enough for him to whack.

Q- I was wondering what your thoughts are, if any, on the Yankees prospect RHP Phil Hughes. The veteran catcher Todd Pratt has compared him to a younger version of yourself, and I was wondering if you could comment on Phil and the comparison that has been drawn.

A- I actually saw where Pratty made those comments. I HOPE he was being complimentary since he and I have been friends and teammates over the past 19 years since playing together in New Britain. I’ve heard massive amounts of talk about this kid and I hadn’t seen him until about halfway through this spring. First thing I realized is that he’s huge. Big kid, which is a great thing. Second thing, and I saw him during an outing he didn’t do well, was just how good his stuff is. At only 20 I think it’s a safe bet to say he’s light years ahead of where I was at 20. He’s got true power pitchers makeup, physically, and I’ve heard he’s off the charts from a mental makeup standpoint. Obviously he needs to stay healthy, because he’s a future top of the rotation arm if he can keep running out there every 5th day. He’s also got to contend with ‘maturing’ in the NY spotlight, which can be an entirely different animal. But from everything I have heard he has more than enough makeup that it won’t be an issue. I love watching kids like that progress because when you can see them enough you can see them making tangible physical changes in progress, both physically and mentally. The AL East is setting itself up to be the home of some incredible arms over the next decade.

Q- On a night like tonight, how does not being able to throw your fastball the way you want to affect your pitch selection? It seems like its a pitch that you have to throw, even if it isn’t working. Whereas, if your split isn’t working you might not throw it as much. Does that make sense?
A- Yes and no. Your second point is right on. I can get by, anyone can get by, when one or two of their other pitches is off, or not as sharp. I think it’s next to impossible, you have to get really REALLY lucky, to get by on a night when you don’t have your fastball, regardless of how hard you throw. The FB sets up everything else, all the time.

Q- Will Carroll over at BP was talking about “icing” today in his chat. Dice doesn’t, Lincecum doesn’t. WC also mentioned that Dr. Andrews said that he can’t seem to find any negatives behind icing and that there are chances it might do something good, so it’s probably either a push or a minor win to go ahead. What are your thoughts?

A- There are many schools of thought here. One is that the ice slows down and prevents excessive ‘bleeding’ that your arm does after a game. The other is that no ice allows the body to naturally do it’s healing thing, faster. I’ve played with guys like Mike Morgan, who didn’t ice his arm for 26 years, and I’ve played with guys that ice after playing catch. I would be there is a lot more useful science to it than we know, but it really is athlete dependant.

Q- In the June 2002 Playboy Interview you told a story about Mickey Tettleton (it was Mickey wasn’t it?) getting in your grill after a just-happy-to-be there performance. I think he told you, “Be *ing prepared to pitch!” Obviously that was a long time ago. Do you still see those type of players around or has that kind of thing gone by the wayside? Do you think it’s good for the game to have the veterans get the young ones in line or has that style run its course?

A- There are fewer and fewer guys in the game like that, than there were. Much of it is because of the change in society and people as a whole, and a lot has to do with the dollars in sports today as well. Players today take things a lot more personal than they used to. A lot of players today are coming to the big leagues with a sense of entitlement as well, as if they are ‘owed’ respect they haven’t earned. I’d love to see more players come to the big leagues acting like Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, guys that know they have to earn everything they get but at the same time they love the game and they love being here, they don’t expect any level of treatment or respect. I know for a fact that I came to the major leagues and acted like an idiot at times. I said and did things that I look back on and think “Holy crap, what was I thinking?”. But I also know that I never disrespected the game. I came to the ML on a VERY tough team of veterans, guys that had no issues saying ANYTHING, at ANYTIME. It was a tough place to be as a rookie, but I know that without that it would have taken me a lot longer to figure it all out. The other great thing, and it’s still true today, was that there is always a few veterans on every team that work to take younger players under their wings and talk them through the tough parts.

Q- Questec. People have adjusted or are still trying to do so. Do you think it’s good for the game or were things better when you also had to know who was behind the plate? I’m sure you still do to some degree but…

A- I think you still have to know who’s back there and how they call their strike zone, but much less than in the past. Questec, in the parks it’s in, has been a tough pill to swallow because it’s made the strike zones more inconsistent. If it’s gone, or in all the parks, is the only way to fix that. Umpires call the strike zone differently depending on the park they are in, and whether or not Questec is used or not. It’s an unfair system for them because it’s not consistently enforced in every game.

Q- As a follow-up, did you like that people have “earned” calls? As an example when a young player doesn’t get the close call against a vet whether the young one is pitching or batting? As a fan it’s tough to swallow when you see someone get a break because they’ve been around awhile instead of what happened. I’m not a fan of Questec even though it looks like I’m arguing that case.

A- It used to be the way it was, like it or not. It was part of the ‘learning curve’ of being a ML pitcher. I would tell you that across the board, players, pitchers and hitters both, only ask for consistency from umpires, not bigger or smaller zones. Do I like when a ball is called a strike? Absolutely. Just as a hitter loves when a strike is called a ball. But neither of us plans an at bat, a pitch sequence, or a game plan, around having balls called strikes or vice versa. I want the ump to make sure the ball he calls strike one is also called strike three, and hitters want that ball one, to be called ball four as well. The good umpires know this, and work their asses off to get it right everytime. The problem is that I KNOW they are going to miss calls, but the bad ones refuse to acknowledge missed calls. There are umps that miss calls badly, and you ask them about it and they’ll say “Hell no, that’s a ball”, you know for fact it’s never been a ball, and never will be, he just missed it. When I ask a good umpire he’ll admit that he missed it, I don’t ask again. The problem comes about when players argue a call, an umpire admits it, and the player keeps griping.

Curt, I remember at some point after the ’04 ALCS Joe Torre said (about the bloody sock game), “I don’t know how injured Schilling really was.” I heard it live on a WFAN interview. The only place I can find it mentioned online is in this article:

Monday is just around the corner. How long will this weekend feel for you? Do you have a sweet gaming notebook that you travel with?

I work for CNET Networks and you’re probably familiar with our CNET and Gamespot properties. I have heard that you have used our sites in the past. Which made me think, what are your favorite non-baseball websites? How about any baseball related sites that you visit regularly?

I was just listening to some of the debates between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton over the British influence in the United States in 1789 and the early 1790s. I side with Madison against the British.

Have you ever asked to be taken out (or taken yourself out) of a game for a reason other than a physical injury? If not, can you imagine a situation arising when you would deem it necessary to “pack it in” in order to give your team the best chance to win the game (or postseason series)?

IMO, the Red Sox and their players CANNOT accept MLB’s ruling on Johnny Pesky. It is absolute nonsense. I find it hard to believe that what Joe Garagiola Jr. says is etched in stone for all baseball time. As a very upset fan I implore you and your teammates to make a stand, most likely through the media, in support of Pesky and against arbitrary micromanaging by a very publicly inept Commissioner’s office. Do you find it ironic that they are badgering one of the game’s true gems while at the same time the corrupt chase for 755 continues on the left coast? Where are MLB’s priorities?

On your blog you talk about not having “feel” for a pitch be it your fastball or split.

My question is can you find the lack of “feel” watching video after the game? Is it sometimes arm slot, hands position at the start of the wind up, where you are lined up on the rubber or is it just a “mysterious groove”?

And in game when you have figured out you can’t find that pitch, do you and the catcher chat and change the game plan on the fly?

Not to be one of CHB’s moron “fan-boys”, your blog is a fascinating read and as an older fan I could not have never imagined a day when this interchange would ever have been possible as a younger man. It is very cool that you provide this access to fans.

Thank you for being both interesting enough and open enough to do this.

I was just wondering how many people are aware of the rules that are being enforced that will keep Johnny Pesky out of the dug out can’t something be done. Some rules should be bent. This is my first time blogging so forgive me until I get the hang of it.

Curt, thanks for bringing the fans that much closer to the game. I’m in high school trying to develop as a pitcher. As a freshman I threw pretty much harder than anyone. Now I’m a junior, other kids are bigger and can throw harder. I’m pretty small in stature, have a small handspan, so can’t really throw a split or change. I’ve now got a sub-par fastball and just an an ok uncle charlie curve so I’m considering specializing in a “gimmick” pitch. Knuckleball? Something with “gyroscopic rotation”? (yes I believe) I’ve even considered going Gaylord Perry-style, but before I cross into the dark side, would really be interested in your advice. (p.s. I’m pretty realistic–if I ever pitch for a college team down the road, I might be the gimmick guy). Really appreciate your advice. Thanks!!

Curt – I know this isn’t a pitching question but where else do you have the opportunity to ask a MLB player a baseball related question? I hear on WEEI and ESPN a lot of talk about the batting order. People are questioning whether JD Drew should bat 2nd or 5th.

My question – is it mostly OBP that management looks at when making this decision.

Could you explain what the merits would be of JD Drew batting 5th vs 2nd and vice versa? That may be the easiest way for me to understand the process.

Curt, great job keeping us up to date on spring training, Just wondering, has the league ever given any thought to a Grapefruit League Championship? Nothing to serious, just a match up of the top two spring teams before the season starts. It would be great for guys headed back to AA or over to Japan once the season starts. I know you never want to make spring training into a competition, but what the heck.

And just a quick response to everyones Johnny Pesky comments, he should stay i the dugout until the league sends someone to physically remove him, or give him a title, or a honorary job, so he can stay.

Carl Pavano is starting opening day for the Yankees and Julian Tavarez looks like an ace in the No. 5 spot. I understand it’s early in the season – and why Pavano is getting the opening day nod – but does anyone else find this amusing? I know I do.

Hi Curt!
Just a couple things… First of all, I just want to say thanks for proving me wrong back in 2004. I thought it was ridiculous for us to sign you…thought you were too old and didn’t have much left to give and that it was ridiculous for us to put the hopes of winning a World Series on your shoulders. Throughout the season, you grew on me. Your resilience and determination shined through every time you took the mound, and you put your whole heart into every pitch. This, I believe is the mark of a true champion – win or lose. Your confidence borders on arrogance, but, hey, if you can walk the walk, you earn the right to talk the talk. Could we have won the World Series without you? Probably, but the fact is you came, led the fight and we conquered. So, enough praise for you, Oh God of morality and baseball (as Dan Shaughnessy would put it…I think he is jealous because he doesn’t have the balls to publicly stand up for what he believes in, so someone with outspoken moral standards is a threat to his patheticness). Seriously, though, you seem to be a great person, and I wish there were more pro athletes that had your integrity and values so that kids would have more respectable role models. I said I wasn’t going to ramble and gloat over you in this commentary at risk of sounding like an immature groupie, but I’ve gone and done it 🙂 Oh well…. finally, here’s my question: It’s obvious that no one puts more pressure on you than yourself, so do you find that this pressure drives you to be better or is it more of a beating post? Is competition with other pitchers what drives you or is it the internal pressure from within yourself? Just curious, because I know when I was playing soccer I got more drive from the pressure I put on myself than from trying to compete with other defenders… Anyway, Curt, thanks for all that you have done and are still doing. Good luck on opening day, hope you kick some Royal ass!
Cheri

Just wanted to wish you and all the guys, a great season! Its been really great reading your blog this spring. Definitely brings some things into perspective.

And just a quick question, this season more than ever I noticed just how poor some of the lighting is at some spring training camps.. any chance the lighting may have led to some deceptive batting averages- for a rookie like Dustin? Seemed he was having a hard time seeing the ball a few times..

anyway again have a great season and hope you win the bet this year with Josh!

1) Your blog is wonderful. I hope more people follow your lead. Baseball is something that a lot of people just know what they read in the news and see on whatever footage makes it to the screen. It’s good that a guy like you can help shake that up. Keep it up.

2) For crying out loud, please don’t get carpal tunnel with all the typing.

3) How’s your Japanese coming along? More to the point, it looks like the two pitchers from Nippon are fitting in really well… how’s the chemistry working in the clubhouse this year? This club looks like it could be really special this year.

4) Lot of good arms in the system aren’t on the 25 man roster. Not to take anything away from the guys who made the cut but it seems hard to see guys like Corey and Hansack and Delcarmen pitch the way they did and still not make the cut… if people weren’t thinking championship this year, do you think those guys would still be heading to the minors?

a close friend of my in-laws was recently diagnosed with ALS, and at a time when everyone’s been feeling their powerlessness to stop what’s happening to him specifically, I’ve been thinking a fair bit about Curt’s Pitch.

It’s a great thing, obviously, that you’re orchestrating forces that can really make a difference against this terrible disease. My question to you is actually a technical one about your role with the charity: to what extent do you help oversee the use of funds that are gathered very substantially through your personal efforts?

I’m guessing you don’t help evaluate proposed research projects looking for grants, for example; but you must have had a hand in selecting people whom you trust to make those decisions back when you set things up. And I presume there are other sides to your involvement that I don’t have a clue about. I’d be very interested to hear about the unseen side of things in more depth one of these days.

Actually, if you wanted to go all out and make it a public policy speech I’d like to read that also. I have absolutely zero political bias about this: half of me sees a grown man break down in tears at the dinner table and thinks, surely to God our government can find better places to cut spending than on medical research; the other half is all too aware of the brutal inefficiency of government spending on these things. Which brings us back to my interest in your experience with the private funding of research, whether you feel that your private oversight at whatever level makes for (hopefully) important efficiencies in actually combating the disease.

Follow-up question, please, to your comments about Yankees prospect Phil Hughes. You say he has the “mental makeup” to be a MLB pitcher. What do you mean by that? It’s easy for us fans to appreciate the physical tools a pitcher has to bring to the game, but what are the necessary mental qualities?

By the way, did you catch the Globe’s baseball preview yesterday? Among the staff picks, Shaughnessy predicts a Red Sox championship & that your blog wins the Pulitzer. Gotta admit, that’s a smile!

Enjoy the weekend. Look forward to seeing you pitch on Monday & to welcoming the whole team home on April 10.

I know that the size and consistency of a strike zone is the key factor, but how do the mannerisms of the home plate umpire affect you? Is it different pitching to a showman that sells every call to Row 50 in the bleachers than it is pitching to the guy who barely makes a call physically? How about those umpires that delay making the call until the ball is almost in your glove after Tek’s throw?

I truly enjoy the little tidbits of talk between guys on the field one never hears farther back than row 2. Sometimes I try to read lips when watching games on tv. Just curious: what type of thing does the guy in blue say when he admits a bad call? Humorous, deadpan, ticked off?

BEST BEST wishes for the season. I am looking forward to watching our side give their all, and look forward to reading more here!
Go get em, Ace!
Pete

Hi Curt, what goes through your mind when a batter calls (and gets) time out, just as you’re going into your wind-up? Is there a psychological aspect to it, meaning is the hitter trying to get to you? Or are they simply not prepared at the plate?

Curt, any thought to doing an autograph session of some sort to raise money for one of the various charities you support? I know that Jerry Remy does a RemDawg all star party each year that he hosts at Fenway which I believe goes to charity. Regardless of whether that does go to charity or not, I was thinking something like that you would be able to sell tickets to, held somewhere, for a reasonable price, and you could have an auction there as well of memorabilia and other things too to raise money. I think even if you limited it to say 500 people, you could still raise alot of money. Hopefully, this isnt something you have already done, and if it is, then you probably wont want to do it again…let me know what you think on this area if you havent done this already.

curt, i am very dissapointed and angry with the league for the pesky crap, some of the stuff they do makes absolutely zero sense. whats the big deal about having someone who basically volunteers his time as an extra coach sitting in the dugout? with that said why doesnt the front office hire him so that he can be allowed in there. the man has dedicated his life to the redsox he deserves more then anyone i can think of to be allowed to sit in there

I’m new to this so I’m just dropping the question, hopefully I’ll get the hang of this blogging thing….
I’ve heard Jerry talk about how pitchers will set up a hitter early on in a game. Not to let any of the evil empire know, but do you do this often and are there situations where you and Tec will consider setting up a guy for later in the game?

Love this blog idea. I have been an avid reader of it since I heard about it. It is a great way for me to here more about the Red Sox. I have been in Iraq since October of 06, stationed here with the Marines. In fact this is the same place I watched you guys win the WS in 04. It was about 0630, I was in the mess hall eating breakfast when Keith fielded the ball and tossed it to Doug for the final out. What a great feeling I had that day. Hope this year is as good, won’t be around to see the 08 season as I will be back over here for it.. The wife and I are working on getting tickets for the June Padre series; I have been to Petco a couple of times, as my home base is Camp Pendleton Ca. That is a really nice park, with the first 2 games being late starts it should be very pitcher friendly. Looking forward to a great season, and I would like to wish best of luck to you all.

Can you tell me what the fines are that the sox face for keeping Pesky in the dugout? I am willing to start a grassroots effort to raise money to pay them if it would keep him in the dugout. How about a campaign to solicit $2 from fans: 1 for the pesky fund & 1 for the Shade Foundation or other worthy cause. Just the type of thing that could energize contributions to SF…thoughts?

I was wondering, what your take is on MLB enforcing the rule that limits the number of coaches allowed in uniform and kicking Johnny Pesky out of the dug out?

I have had the honor of meeting the amazing Mr. Pesky and feel that this is a travesty.

However, I wonder if Grady Little has a point in what he said to the Globe: “I think his time has come,” Little said. “When you get to the age of Johnny Pesky, his reaction time is not like it used to be, so you’re concerned with Johnny’s health — not only in the dugout during the game, but also during the workouts when he’s out on the field. It’s a tough situation, but I’m going to have to agree with Major League Baseball.”

I just read that MLB is enforcing dugout rules, which makes it no longer possible for Pesky to sit with the team during games. It sounds as though he’s taking such news fairly hard. Is there anything that fans can do in this situation, e.g., a petition of some sort?

Enforcing such a rule makes sense, although I’m sure it’s upsetting to everyone involved: coaches, players, and fans. Especially Red Sox fans. Pesky has earned the right, I think, to sit just about wherever he pleases. Part of the ballpark is named after him, after all.

Curt,
God luck Monday. I was sitting directly behind home plate on your last spring outing vs the twins. How much does it affect the team knowing that no matter what park you play at there is going to be people rooting you on? As a player who has played for different organizations how do the red sox fans differ from philly, balt, or arizona?

Why doesn’t Papelbon have any lines in that MLB hat commercial he is in where Morneau gets to the front of the line by having a cardboard cutout of himself? I am miffed by this. Is he upset by it? What is the point of even having him do the commercial, you can barely tell he’s even on camera.

How do you find information in those notebooks on a particular player as to how he hit and what he hit against you from previous years? Are there different notebooks for each opposing team, and, in that way you can find a particular player’s stats. Or, do you just sometimes go crazy looking through all the notebooks for that one piece of information? Is there a system with your note-keeping?

Thanks for this forum and thanks for all you’ve brought to us. Looking forward to this season and to opening day.

Thank you for doing fans a favor by having this blog. Question: Your splitter hasn’t been featured much this spring, but do you plan on using it more regularly during the season? It’s always been one of your more dangerous weapons. Thanks!

Curt,
First thing first, I want to say thanks for all that you do for Red Sox Nation and being a role model to everybody that watches you. You play the game the way it is supposed to be played. I know this might be far fetched, but seeing how much of a support you are to the Armed Forces it would be awesome to have you come to my re-enlistment ceremory. I am a SGT in the Marine Corps stationed at Jacksonville fl, and have been overseas 4 times, and plan on re-enlisting for another 4yrs. I know with your schedule it is nearly impossible, but I just wanted you to know that if I could choice anybody to be there, it would be you. Keep up the good work on and off the mound.

Curt, keep up the good work. I sincerely hope that you are a member of the Red Sox next year.
I saw that home makeover show when they were in MA, I thought you were just making an appearance, I did not know it was a personal friend. That show is great, always makes me tear up though.
Good luck Monday and the rest of the year! Looking forward to watching the Sox this year and the exciting pitching line up.
Go Sox!!!

JORGE CANTU THE 2B FOR DEVIL RAYS WAS SENT DOWN TO THE MINORS.. HE HAD A GREAT 05 SEASON WITH 28 HR AND 117 RBI AND HAD INJURY PLAUGED 06 SEASON WHERE HE MISSED MORE THAN HALF OD THE SEASON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT 14 HR AND 62 RBI..

WITH THE SOX NOT SURE WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO GET FROM THEIR OWN ROOKIE 2B WHOSE SWING LOOKS BIGGER THAN HIS SIZE, SHOULD TRADE FOR CANTU. AS AN INSURANCE POLICY..CANTU IS A MUCH BETTER HITTER WITH MORE POP THAN CORA..

AS THE DEVIL RAYS DONT HAVE ANY CURRENT PLANS FOR CANTU ON THEIR ROSTER, I THINK THEY WOULD TRADE HIM FOR WHATEVER THEY CAN GET..

I saw you at the movies tonight. My co-workers and classmates back in Boston are freaking out with jealousy and my friend’s husband is mad he didn’t come to dinner and a movie with us! I hope I didn’t interrupt too much what must be a nice bit of anonymity for you guys. Today has been quite a sports day for me — I also saw Doc Rivers in the airport. Good luck on Monday.

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you as a representative of the Red Sox and the sport of baseball in general for making my life a little more fun. I said my first word (“hooray”) during a Red Sox game. I love the game and the sense of community that comes from being a fan, and how my normally reserved family can come animated and sometimes even downright profane on the topic.

I have followed your career for a long time. You were pitching in the first game I ever attended. You were pitching for the Elmira Pioneers in the NY-Penn league. I still have the team card set. As a lifelong Yankees fan I was gutted when you returned to the Red Sox organization. I have remained a fan of yours as you have always been a gamer, keep up the great career and dont be too hard on the Yanks this year.

Thanks for putting on the blog, I think it’s great when ball players actually interact with the fans. The sportswriters, I believe take things a bit too far and blow them out of of proportion. I guess they need job security as well.

First off, best of luck to you and the team. It promises to be a great season. Is there a sense in the clubhouse that 2007 will be a changing of the guard atop the AL East? If the best the Yankees can do is give the ball to Pavano on opening day, that speaks volumes as to the caliber of their rotation – no disrespect to Carl intended. The facts speak for themselves. Also, for the betterment of the team, I for one hope a friendly rivalry will develop within the Sox rotation. There really is the makeup of having the best mix in the majors, with at least 3 of you having a real shot at 20 wins and the other two at 10-15 wins (Lester included when he joins the club). Lastly, were you award that SI’s Verducci was in the umpiring crew in the game you pitched vs the Orioles? What a great write-up that was in this week’s edition.

I am a 41-year old person with a disability. None of the famous disorders, I just have an average ‘run-of-the-mill’ neuromuscular disorder. I am in a wheelchair during the day and on a respirator through my Tracheotomy at night, but I never miss a game on NESN.
Growing up disabled all my life, I had to trade the physical acts of ‘playing’ baseball for the intellectual aspects of ‘learning’ baseball. Personally, I think I got the better of the deal.
Obviously, to be a Major League pitcher you need both physical and mental prowess. However, is this a ‘which came first, the chicken or the egg’ scenario, or is it beneficial to learn the mental fortitude first, then let it dictate the physical path you pursue; or is it better to perfect your skills first, then learn the mental disciplines needed to maintain those skills?
Someday, I hope to come see you pitch in person. Up until recently, Fenway has not been the most accessible place for me to visit, but I understand the new renovations have been marvelous, so I will have to do some more research on that.

Have a healthy first start in Kansas City and God Bless you and your family during this Easter season.

Thoughts right before opening day:
Opening day, this afternoon with the Mets/Cards, and I am giddy. It feels like I have a first date with a girl who really could be the one. You know that feeling? A little nervous, exicted, thinking what might happen if everything goes right, and praying that nothing goes wrong.
I liken this feeling to my personal relationship as a fan of the Boston Red Sox. Each spring the smell of jasmine is in the air, my head is thick with the pefume of flowers blooming and once again I am in love with the Red Sox. We continue this through May and June, things feel pretty good with just a few bumps in the road. July comes and we take a break for the All Star game and I reflect on the events of the past few months.
Play through July and then the dog days of August are upon us. We disagree, argue through the sweltering heat, and once again my heart starts aching. September comes, nights are a bit chiller now and so is my feeling for the Sox, and I decide to break up with them until I meet them again in March, and it’s love all over again.
Now of course there was that one magical year. One magical season where we both in the clouds in October. Lets hope this happens again this season. ( My words to gods eyes)

No one in life has given me more pain, heartache, passion, and pure joy as have the Boston Red Sox. I wouldn’t trade being a fan of the sox for anything.

I wish EVERYONE (well, except for a few Yankees, of course) in baseball, a healthy productive season, of joy, delight, and the wonder of playing a little boys game in a mans body.

Curt,
Do you think the team’s luck went South after Ben Affleck let Howie Kendrick catch the foul ball? last summer Is wrong that Affleck accepted the ball after Kendrick signed it and sent it over to him during the game? Can one truly be the #1 Redsox Fan and have that ball on the mantlepiece. Do you think Doug Flutie would blocked Kendrick from leaning into the stands and catching that pop fly? What are the rules for fans being able to prevent a visiting player from reaching into their seats to snag a foul ball?

Hi Curt
Good luck for your first start on Monday.
Can’t wait to see how you and the guys do…my huisband and I will be watching in the UK, we are lucky enough that the Sox first game is being shown on one of our satellite channels so we’ll be watching!
All the best for the season!
Vicki

My name’s Katie, I’m a huge sox fan! I love that you’re so into helping raise money/awareness for these disorders… I myself was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis 7 years years ago, when I was 9.
I was wondering.. I’m doing a fundraiser,, where I’m getting celebrity autographs to auction off. Here’s my blog if you want to check it out: http://autographs4cf.wordpress.com

would you mind donating an autograph, please?

🙂

just let me know on my blog, if you get the chance, please. then i can give you the address.

I asked you a question and you answered it. First time in my life to have a direct (sort of) conversation with a major league ballplayer. How cool is that?

Here’s another question.

Do any batters have ‘tells’? Little things that change in their stance or their body language that give away that they are sitting on a fastball or breaking ball or whatever? Can you give us an example of someone you could read like that, someone no longer playing of course.

Thanks for taking the time to sit down and talk to Sox nation, it’s always cool when fans can interact with players. Wait should I have not said that? Will Shaggs call me a suck up dork now? Oh well. I was wondering how you felt the team was gelling this so far – it seemed as if the loss of clubhouse guys like Muller, Millar and Damon hurt the chemistry a bit. Lugo and Dice-K seem to have strong personalities, how have they added to the mix.

First time here. Terrific idea that you do this Curt. I was motivated to sign up to post by the way MLB has decided to enforce the rule that will move Johnny Pesky out of the dugout. Baseball has long been a game of traditions,records, and a game about people. People that give there all to play the game and people that go the games, sit in the stands, watch on tv, or read the accounts in the press. So much of baseball is played , watched and lived on emotions. Just look at the fans in the stands praying or crying when a big game is on the line. (I had to watch much of the sox comeback against the yankees by squinting my eyes and sneaking peaks at the tv set through a window 20 ft away from outside the house.) I am normal in most other respects. The potential for emotional pain was too much for me to handle again-but I was rewarded – in great part by your efforts Curt.
Mr. Pesky is baseball tradition. He IS history. He represents what is best about baseball. He’s not some old guy just hanging around. He is important to this team, the fans, and to the sport itself. Above all-he deserves RESPECT ! MLB has totally lost its senses if it intends to go this route. This game is about people. About fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, generations old and young. These games bring people together as families-whether they are related or not. My father and my sons and daughter are inexplicably bonded together not only by our genetics and love for each other- but by the shared emotions of a simple game with a ball and bat. My Dad didn’t quite make it to see the world championship-missed it by a few months. But that wish was there till the end and it was a wish that was shared by the rest of his family. That is the only sad part of the victory. I guess my point is that MLB can’t just disrespect the past and discard what makes baseball different from any other game-it’s people and its history. I truly hope something can be done. In my mind this is far more serious than what it may appear on the surface and it does not bode well for the future of the game. I really think players and fans should unite on this one. Maybe everyone with a ticket to a game could just stand outside the ballbark and cheer from outside. Maybe the sight of empty stands in Fenway park (ifonly for an inning or two) would raise a few eyebrows at the commisioner’s office. I know that won’t happen but why not? Sorry for the long rambling but I had to get this off my chest. Good luck this year ,Curt. WE LOVE YA BABE.

How much of an inspiration has Jon Lester been for the Red Sox? I realize that he had a limited contribution to the team last year, but he seemed like a pitcher who has a great future. When he was first diagnosed with cancer it looked like he would miss the entire 2007 season. Now we are getting word that Lester could be pitching for the Sox in June. Something like this puts baseball in its proper place, but at the same time I can’t help but be excited about the type of season he could have this year.

Thanks for this forum. As a baseball lover, it’s a pleasure getting your insight on the game. The respect you show thw game made me a fan of yours long before you came to the Sox. My question has to do with pitching inside (and sometimes, a little too inside). My son’s an amatuer league pitcher. At one of his games, he got roughed up a little for the first two innings. Between innings, he was pacing behind the bench. It was a cold night and I asked him, “you feel okay?” He just glared at me and mumbled “They’re too comfortable.” The next inning he drilled the first batter in the thigh, and then proceeded to pitch four shutout innings. I guess my question is, “who’s psyche was affected?” Eight different hitters followed. Were they “less comfortable”, or does a pitcher gain a little confidence that he has recaptured some control over the plate after going inside? How much does this, if at all, play a part in pitching at a higher level?

Thanks again for the entertainment you provide and for all the charitable work you and your family do. Good luck on the season and I look forward to you pitching for the Sox this year and, hopefully, beyond.

I was wondering if you you could tell us the status of the family you took in who were displaced from Hurricane Katrina. Was your family’s experience with them a positive one? I saw in the news that there are reports of nationwide fraud associated with the disaster, and I remember that you were one of the many good people who truly did try to make a difference. Thanks. Good luck in 07.

hope you have a healthy season.you are the horse of the staff.good luck in your start on monday in kansas city.looking foward to you helping the sox bring the world series trophy back to boston.and hoping sox management will do the right thing i bringing you back to boston next year with the contract you deserve.again good luck to you and your teammates curt.we ALL KNOW as RED SOX FANS HOW HARD YOU WORK ,AND YOUR DEDICATION TO YOU HELPING THE SOX WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP. THANKS CURT

I am absolutely infuriated with MLB for enforcing the “4 coaches on the bench rule” effectively banishing legend Johnny Pesky from the dugout. I along with the creators of the Soxspace (red sox myspace page 75,000 members) are organizing a Protest and Petition to get Johnny back on the bench. We would like to announce our P and P by having everyone stay standing for the entire first inning of the home opener chanting “JOHNNY.” We are blogging everywhere we can on the internet to get word out but we could use your help. I know you probably can’t get involved personally but maybe you could post this on your site to help me get the word out. Once we have people paying attention a petition can be started and we might get some news media to pay attention and help out (its a heart warming story).

MLB can be like organized crime with the power that they weild so I don’t expect to win but I will give them a damn good shot. Let them feel the POWER OF RED SOX NATION! At worst, Johnny hears what we did and feels better about the whole thing. I heard he was crushed by the news. Thank you for coming to Boston and for caring out our nation.

I’m a huge fan of yours as well as the Sox. What you have done for us the past three years defies description. I do have a question though. You do such great work for ALS and now you are wearing the bracelet for SMA, I have to wonder where you come down on stem cell research and the promise it shows for diseases such as ALS, knowing your political views.

Good luck this season Curt, all of the nation is looking forward to ’07!

Opening Day ! Such a special time in Boston every year. Another great team that has all the potential to go all the way ! Best of luck to you, Curt –
In spite of the excitement of another season starting – I am another very disheartened Boston fan when it comes to Mr. Pesky being removed from the dugout. He is what baseball is all about. Players, past and present, have learned from him, been given a helping hand, a kind word when it is needed the most, or just an arm around the shoulders when words won’t do. Why in the world would you allow an elderly gentleman – and that is what he is – a gentleman – to be so hurt in his last years. Isn’t there a higher level of decency we should all reach for in life ?

Is there a way to start a fund – a “Pesky Pot” to allow donations at the entrance to the park – to pay for the darn fines ??? Would the Red Sox organization just step up to the plate and fight this head on ?

Again – love the blog – thanks for it. My first question (after running my mouth off telling you to keep VCs out of your company 🙂

I’m not sure you can answer this one truthfully. To what extent do you and guys in the clubhouse get personal in the Sox/Yanks rivalry? I know you have tremendous respect for Jeter and others – but you must see the silly nicknames developed by fans – Slappy McBluelips, Dumbo, Shemp – all that stuff. Do you and your teammates acknowledge that stuff? Do you use those names yourself and laugh at them? Everyone saw you get agitated during the 2004 ALCS with whatever Arod was doing on first base (I’d love to get a breakdown on what happened there 🙂 – and saw the public comments in 2005 about him. I don’t expect you to rehash all that stuff – but does the rivalry affect the players too – without naming names – do guys laugh about silly nicknames and really dislike any players on the dark side?

Good luck on your Opening Day Start! It’s been a long time coming, but it is almost finally here. I am looking forward to a great 2007 season – there’s so much to be optimistic about. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for you. I am very excited about the starting rotation – if everyone stays healthy we have it made. I am probably one of the very few Julian Tavarez fans. I was very happy to see that the Red Sox are going to give him a chance to start – something he really wants to do. He had a tough year last year, but he did so great at the end of the season when most everyone else gave up and was worn out. I’m glad the Red Sox aren’t overlooking him and will give him the ball. Do you think he can be a successful 5th starter for the Sox??

Anyway, best of luck this season and on another note, thank you so much for all of your hard work with the ALS Charity. I also feel passionate about it, and I always say if I ever win the lottery, that would be the first charity I would give a huge chunk of money to. Thank you, Curt!

Curt,
Best of luck this season!!
I also wear the cure SMA bracelet. I got it at the yard sale after the family had moved into their new home. I was lucky enough to meet you and get an autograph for my son. I also met some great RS fans while waiting in line.

With so many good causes available to support how do you decide which ones you can and can’t support? What percentage of your time (in season/off season) would you estimate is devoted to these efforts?

my fiance and i are huge fans of yours and the red sox. i cant tell you enough how greatful we are for curts pitch. a very close family friend has the aweful ALS, but without you and mike timlin, the disease would be virtually unheard of around here…what youve done is increadible. i just hope all your efforts dont go for not.

my over 30 baseball league now has a charity drive to help the cause as well. youve help spread the word.

Curt,
Have you ever apologized to Butch Stearns for tearing him a new one on WEEI about his comments regarding your relationship with Pedro? It appears that Butch was not that far off from the truth based on Pedro’s comments while leaving town. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

hey curt i just found your site when i watched your interview with chris myers. I love you man your a great face for baseball. It is good to see a guy who is ruggid and just loves to play the game and is not a sell out. I was just wondering how I could ask a question, thanks

i have a 9 month old daughter and i worry about her constantly. she seems really healthy now, but diseases and viruses can turn on anyone. god forbid if anything happened to her. i support any organization that helps children. btw Curt, are you going to start game one of the 07 world series? you are worth much more than 13 million, that is a bargain. too bad the owners do not see it that way. they don’t think (the owners) that another team will easily pay you 14-17 million next year. i know you will stay in Boston and the owners will dish out more than 13 million to keep you. what are they thinking? i know where your motivation will be focused on this season. Proving them wrong! good luck this year and don’t think too hard, just throw it.

I really appreciate the time you spend on this blog and your involvement in the community. I love being able to say I like a pro athlete for who he is as a person and not just for their athleticism, like I can say with you.

My question for you is just how accurate are you with your fastball? If you concentrate solely on location and not necessarily on getting a hitter out, can you hit a target within 6 inches most of the time? Do you win a lot of prizes at amusement parks?!

Opening day no not in Boston but yet a right of passage from winter too summer.The ace on the mound for the home team Curt today he begins the tedious task of earning a new contract. Imagine the man who had his ankle tendon sewed against the bone just so he could fufill his promise of a championship too this city.No he did’nt do it alone many of his teammates were instumental in the championship becoming a reality however no one but Curt had surgery just so they could play in fact most would have shut it down to protect thier carreer not Curt Thanks Curt and good luck in 2007
Pete

Hey everyone!
I hope today goes well for you, Curt, we’re pulling for you! As a player myself, I’ll be taking meticulous notes on pitchers and hitters. Being past of the OF it’s nice to know the trends of people hitting and applying it for me.
I know this isn’t the exact purpose of this particular post, but trying to be involved in the recent discussion is the best way for people to notice. On that note: Reading that you are planning to be a contact pitcher is very interesting, I know you realize this but, that should be extremely effective for you. The sinking action on the Split and having some on the change along with the two seamer will really work against the rhythms of a lot of hitters. It may, in turn, even keep the K totals pretty constant as well. Any way to win, right? 🙂 Good luck!

My question is about the players’ union. It seems to me that it’s run with deliberate antagonism towards the ownership, predominantly for the benefit of the very top 5% of players. You’re a little closer to the situation; am I being unfair?

For example, I felt that on the steroids issue, the union’s militant refusal to give into almost anything– broken down only by Congressional hearings– really hurt a lot of players. The bulked-up superstars got huge deals, and anyone in AAA struggling to make it, well, let them eat steroids.

And recently, just as an example, Chad Cordero said that he was pressured by the union not to take the deal he’d been offered by the Nats, even though he liked the deal. “I don’t know why I didn’t sign [the two-year deal],” Cordero said. “I wanted to. The Players Association thought I had a good case and they wanted see how it turned out. Even if I lost my arbitration case, I wasn’t going to lose. It’s still a lot of money. It’s still more money than I ever would have thought [I’d make].”

I think that the union’s all-encompassing animosity and mistrust was well-founded three decades ago. Now that the union has the upper hand, winning every dispute with the owners in that time period, that attitude has outlived its usefulness. By creating a climate where every player squeezes every dime out he can out of the organization, the union heightens animosity, reduces any loyalty that a guy like Cordero might feel, and really makes the game less fun for fans, especially of small-market teams.

Do you think I’m overstating things? Overlooking some good things the union does? Reading too much into a few different events? Or do I have things more or less right here?

Hey Curt,
I am extremely excited about this season as I am every season. Sadly, I’m stuck out in New Mexico going to college and do you think the campus will subscribe to NESN? I think not. So unless ESPN covers it (and I miss Jerry and Don’s sweet voices) or I come home to Randolph in June…I’m checking scores online. It’s nice to have you post your thoughts here. It gives me something else to compulsively check while procrastinating!
Please tell the boys to have a great season. I hope I only scream happy things from my parents couch or from the table at Hooters.
-Lindsay Reuter

Hey Cury great post again,If you are unable to pitch next season,will you consider a run for u.s senate?We really need someone like you.Our murder rates in Boston have risen over 60% in Boston and no one cares.Deval ignores it,Menino blames the papers,and Kerry and Kennedy could care less.Not to mention all of our congress men won’t even aknowledge it.We really need you Curt.

Hi Curt. I know you’re not reading this until sometime after today’s game. Best of luck today to you and the team. I enjoy hearing you on ‘EEI when you come on. I do have a question though please. Firstly, I am NOT a baseball manager in any type of youth baseball league, but I have been noticing the last few years that Jason Veritek seems to be VERY UNCOMFORTABLE batting on the left side. I honestly don’t know if that is his natural batting position, but he makes me feel uncomfortable just watching bat on that side. I believe his stats seem to be better batting rightie, and I’m wondering if you feel the same way? I know he is the captain, but do you think he should just bat right? I hope you don’t get upset by my question or think I’m a “dumb ass’ in asking but it’s my honest opinion. Thank you for your time.

Curt, I love reading your blog, it’s always great to hear whats actually on a players mind. Good luck tonight and this season. I just thought I’d let you know, my family has been hit by SMA aswell. My cousins 18 mo. old son suffered from it and sadly passed away due to this awful disease. Here is a link to his website. Take a look at it if you have a moment.http://www.thebenjaminfoundation.com/

Curt,
I’ve been a huge fan of yours ever since the 2001 World Series. Thanks for the great memories. Found a link to this blog on a Dback messageboard. Thanks for sharing all your stories. Being a former college catcher, I really love reading your thoughts while on the mound. What great insight. The reason I’m posting is because of the Cure SMA bracelet you are wearing. Thank you for trying to educate people on this terrible disease. A co-worker of mine has a son with SMA. They do an annual fundraiser in the fall. They gather donated items (everything from artwork, trips, gift certificates, autographed sports memorabilia, etc., etc.) and have a silent auction. You can see their website here: http://www.graysgang.com/events.htm. I know you probably get bombarded with requests like this, but anything you could do to help would be awesome. Thanks!

Glad your opening the season in my adoped home of Kansas City. Unfortunately I’ll only be able to take the family to Wednesday nights game because as much as I love the Sox, my sons High School games come first.

If you get bored at the Hotel Tuesday, come on out to Lees Summit West and catch the cross town rivalry of West vs Lees Summit. Rick Sutcliff lives here in town, so he can give you directions.

Curt,
If you want to hear a cruel joke, a local radio station here in western Mass was reporting this morning that you got hit by a car last night and your arm was broken and would not be starting today. You can imagine how many fans were in shock. I found no humor in it anywhere. Good Luck to you today.

Hey curt.. i just wanted to say im 26 and used to follow u when u were on the phillies and u were always my fav pitcher..well u and mitch williams.. but i just wanted to wish u luck this year and prove all the doubters wrong. u still got what it takes and u have plenty of help with the defense.. so go get them for new england and dont be afraid to bean any yankees that dont show u proper respect.

Just watched your first inning versus the Royals a few minutes ago – congrats on getting out of that jam!

I have question regarding your approach with the bases loaded. Clearly many people think of walking a run in as a worst-case scenario, but if you are facing the bottom of the lineup are there times you would rather risk a walk via breaking pitches rather than be forced to throw a fastball that might get launched for extra bases?

Wanted to get your thoughts on a question I’ve had for a bit. Why don’t more catchers become pitching coaches after their playing careers are over? While pitchers obviously understand the nuances of pitching, how different holds and pressures can affect a pitch, etc, a catcher sees dozens of different pitchers up close and personal and also has to have an understanding of a pitchers’ touch, cadence, breadth of pitches, etc, as well.

Is there a reason that former catchers haven’t caught on (oh, that was bad) as pitching coaches over the years?

Also, sorry your year got off to such a rocky start. But as we all know that is just 1 of 162 (hopefully more!). Best of luck for the rest of the season.

Curt… tough game.. FYI, it looked to me like you were definitely tipping your change-up. Your arm action was noticeably slower when you threw the change.. I also noticed you may have been not lifting and striding the same when you threw your fastball vs. the splitter. I could be wrong about the splitter, but it seemed like you were not lifting as much and falling off a bit..but I am POSITIVE the change-up was being tipped by sluggish arm action.

This game is best forgotten. In a role reversal, Gil Meche looked like the ace and Curt Schilling looked like the overpaid marginal starter. Not a good way to start the season, against Kansas City no less.

Your next start will be much better. For what it’s worth: I’ve had Gil Meche on various fantasy baseball leagues.

While it wasn’t the best start for the team, it is important to remember that there are 161 games left. As a great woman once said “Tomorrow is another day.” It’s just unfortunate that it is also a day off. I am so avoiding sports talk like the plague.

Question: I just wanted to know if everything felt ok in today’s game. Was it just a case of location or, did they just hit the ball well. Also, how did Varitek do in calling the game and is his prolonged slump from last year affecting his catching in anyway. Good Luck to the whole team!!!

Curt,
Do you ever read through the comments here and wish that humans weren’t capable of such breathtaking banality? Does it not drive you nuts to have people telling you that you were tipping your pitches today in KC, or asking you what your favorite movie is, day after day after day? Does it sicken your heart that people don’t know the difference between “you’re” and “your”?

Do you think you are better than Beckett or Daisuke or my boy Timmy? I would say you are prob the number 4 or 5 starter on this team. All those people that were saying you deserve more than gil meche money should probably eat those words!

What do you think about being one of the worst pitchers on the team. I know Beckett, Papelbon, Wakefield, and probably Matsuzaka are better than you. There is a good chance Pineiro could be a better starter than you at this point. You are no more than a 5 inning pitcher. I am not hiding in my parents basement either i am a very successful knuckle ball catching catcher so learn to take criticism without hiding behind the shade foundation or any other charity. have a nice day

Curt I took my 11 yr old grandson on st pattys day to Ft myers from Bham al. It was to be ouir 1st Sox spring training game (& Ive been a dye hard fan since 62, when i guy named Chuck Shilling was there). Blaine came wide eyed and ready to see and get autos from his favorite players, You, Manny and big Papi, and of course his personal favorite Terri Francona. Terry’s 1st chance at managing was here at Bham (Barons AA). Blaine has followed him and even did research on he and his father Tito for a class in 5th grade.
We arrive at 9 am for a 1 pm game. And there 6 inches away was terry!
Blaine approached and politely said, “MR FRANCONA”, he was curtly cut off, by saying give me 5 mins kid, then i ll get with you. After 15 Terry looked back (out of side of his eye) and just left. Soon Mr Ortiz came out and waved to Blaine, we were sitting next to Papis Brother. But Blaine refused to get up thinking he d be treated that way again. My point is These kids are our future! The paying fans of tomorrow, to treat even 1 this way is unexcuseable. But as a baseball fan I want to say thank you to you and all OUR SOX for the manner they regard our smallest treasures, our kids. I only wish he had a chance to get to see you- a credit to the profession. Thanks for all your good works, for Boston area and our Nations children. Maybe your manager will someday remember the little kid who traveled with his dad, to grow to love the game….

Dear Curt,
Our eight-year-old son, Josh, has SMA type II. We wanted to send you a great big THANK YOU for helping to raise awareness about spinal muscular atrophy.

As you know, SMA is a horrendous disease that many people do not know about. As parents of a child with SMA, we are always trying to educate the public about SMA, spread awareness about SMA, and most of all, raise money to help find a cure for SMA! Unfortunately, just being mom and dad to a kid in a wheelchair doesn’t make people want to get involved in our fight against SMA. When a celebrated sports figure choses to get involved, it makes all the difference in the world. It makes people want to get involved, it makes people want to learn more about SMA. So, for everyone reading this, please take a minute to visit http://www.curesma.org and see for yourselves why this is a cause worth fighting for.

Thank you again!
With heartfelt thanks and appreciation!
Jennifer and Harry

Curt, My name is Matt I am13 years old and a diehard Sox fan.
I have been to Fenway 9 times. I want to thank you for what you have done for the Red Sox and fans like me for the last three years. As far as this season is considered we would like you to forget what happened in the season opener and concentrate your efforts on the rest of the season.
We all know that thier is no hope for another championship unless you come through for us. I hope this does not put to much pressure on you. Thank you for all you have done.

Hi Curt, my name is Brendan and I am 7 years old. Ive been to 2 Red Sox games. I know im just a young guy but I do love my Red Sox. Witout you we would have not won a world championship in 2004 and with you we can win one in 2007.

Remember me — I was that guy who let you cut in front of me at the grocery store?

I told you how I was a High School pitching phenom but my coach ruined my arm, wrecking my chances to get drafted. You said that was a tough break, and that you knew a lot of guys who had careers derailed by injuries. I could tell you really meant it too.

I just wanna wish you luck this year, and to say I hope the Sox respect you enough to get that extension done ASAP.

My great nephew, Matthew James Troland, who was born on Jan. 5, 2007 and is the first child to my nephew Matthew Sr. was born with type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We are having a benfit for baby Matthew and his family to help with medical bills not covered by insurance, as his mother will not be returning to work. The benfit is this Sunday, April 15 in Bellingham, Massachusetts at the Fiftys Lounge.

It has amazed me on how many children are born with this heartwrenching disease and that there are still so many people out there that are unaware of it. I applaud you and your blog in attempt to bring awareness to the masses. There is a wonderful photographer named Michelle Carr who photos children with different diseases to also bring awareness and I invite you to take a look at her site http://www.mcp.typepad.com.

Although I will never understand the pain my nephew and his wife must be feeling and the difficult decisions that face them in the future, I have two healthy, beautiful and active boys, I feel such a heartache and have cried many nights for them.

The only things that helps me to make sence of this is to believe that this little baby is an old soul, that he is at the end of his cycle of lives and the only lesson left to learn on earth is one of absolute, unadulterated, pure love. So while this tragedy that has struck him and will cut his life so short seems very unfair it will be the gift of love from his family, friends and everyone who hears his story that will fulfill his souls journey and will allow it to become truly complete and move on to a brighter place.

I watch you pitch here in Florida during spring training, I live on Sanibel Island and wish you and all the Red Sox a great year.

Great job the other night. I was wondering if you had any advice about how much information a high school pitcher should be concerned about. My son is a high school pitcher and the team has an excellent stat keeper. He emails everything out the day after we play. My son is doing very well but has no interest in reviewing the numbers. He tells me that he wants to concentrate on playing the game and he belives the stats will just complicate things for him. I know that you have mastered your craft and that you review alot of information before, during and after your games. We you always this way? What about stats for younger pitchers?

I would like to take you up on your challenge to test the bloody sock. I donate to a charity called the DNA Epicenter located in New London, CT. (http://www.dnaepicenter.org/) It’s goal is teach kids science skills in a way that actually gets them excited about science, DNA in particular. Most of these children come from underprivleged backgrounds.

This center has the equipment to test the blood on the sock versus your own blood to stick it to those naysayers!

If you are interested in helping out this cause and getting the test done by a reputable source please email me at fariat@hotmail.com.

Dear Mr Schilling,
First & foremost, I want to thank you for one of the greatest sports perfomances I have ever seen in my life. I will never forget it as long as I live. I grew up in Rhode Island & have been a sox fan since the mid 60’s. I am living in jacksonville fla & go to tampa everytime the sox come here. This paint thing has got me up in arms & I have been on sports talk radio for 2 days taking on anyone who want to try to dispute the facts!!! If anyone is so stupid to even entertain that b.s, well they are not true baseball fans & they should go back to thier moms basement, get off the computer & have a big glass of shut the hell up. And as far as wanna be sports writers such as j boy in chicago & woody in paige etc…I’m done watching the show & anythin they are involved in. I ‘m sorry you had to go through this in the last few days. BUT MY ENTIRE FAMILY ( ALIVE OR NOT ) WANT TO THANK YOU FOR HELPING BRING US THE TITLE. You my friend, are a roll model for young people & are a true redsox icon forever………..John

I’ve never been a deliberate fan of yours simply because we have no relation and you haven’t pitched for my Braves, but I’ve always had respect for your ability – and your World Series performance, which made me a part time fan. Now I am a full blown full time fan!! We have a relationship!

You stood up to this rediculous propaganda with great integrity, and held your tongue and cool about the way people pass off your Christian stance. I’m sure a lot of eyes were rolled at Jesus too! When you are right it doesn’t matter what Satan does to you. It matters what he does to those others with less faith. Keep living your talk!

I enjoy watching you play the game! I am 48 years old and have played or coached sports all my life. You are a great example to me and today’s kids. Keep digging in and doing what you do.

I feel that you are one of the most egotistical, self-centered individual people that the Red Flops have ever employed. You think that you are better than the other 24 people on the club. Why can’t you be quiet, and reserved like Mike Lowell, and follow the team instead of the me concept.

I hope that you retire, because you are a real discredit to baseball, both as a team player, and an individual. Grow up you big, overpaid baby, and get a job in the real world.

Congratulations on your response to the whole “bloody sock” incidence. I think it’s disgusting that you should even have to reply or “defend” such an issue to an obvious idiot who has nothing better to do than start rumors, and about the past at that! Regardless of his later apology and admittance of not hearing correctly, it is sad that someone in his position can say what’s on his “little” mind, because he has nothing else to say at the moment. I think his boss needs to think about hiring someone who is more professional and articulate about what is going on in the moment.

hey man, i really was glad to read that you have faith in GOD, as i read some of the bad comments made to you and about you i know that they have no meaning to you…you have GOD on your side and being in his hands you are safe from all harm. GOD bless you and your family.

Concerning the “Bloody Sock Comments”:
You hit the nail right on the head Curt! The media as a whole are nothing but a bunch of liars and slanderers. Trying to tear down was a great moment in baseball history. It was truely a remarkable super human effort. Curt, you are an inspiration, a true WARRIOR, and a great role model. In this day and age of cheaters and steroid users, you are a throwback who stands tall! Being a lifelong >50yrs Red Sox fan, I will always remember and appreciate that special super human effort you game me and the rest of the Red Sox nation in 2004.

DEAR CURT
I DON’T KNOW IF YOU WILL GET A CHANCE TO READ THIS I SURE HOPE SO. I JUST HAD SURGURY ON MY BACK 4/10/07 3 LEVEL FUSION AND I AM DOING WELL. I THINK YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST SPITURAL PEOPLE I KNOW AND IF IT WASN’T FOR MY SPIRUALTY I DON’T KNOW IF I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH MY SURGURY. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON EVEN THOUGH I AM A WHITE SOXS FAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR 50 YEARS YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST BALL PLAYERS THAT I HAVE WATCHED OVER THE YEARS KEEP UP ALL THE GOOD WORK YOU DO AND YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS ALONG WITH YOUR FAMILY
GOD BLESSKEVUSN@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Curt,
I have often said how lucky we are in Boston to have two very well spoken elite athletes in you and Tom Brady. I enjoy listening to your perspective and appreciate your willingness to communicate with what can sometimes be less than intelligent people.
You are a thinking man’s athlete who takes tha game apart.
Have you ever considered being a pitching coach after your playing days are over?

My 10-year-old daughter plays fast-pitch softball and is thinking about training to be a pitcher. Abigail has the mental toughness and could really go far with the right training. She could also benefit from some inspiration from you, Curt. Any words of encouragement for a young lady with winning on her mind?

Curt solid game tonight, I like what i saw with the change up and even though you topped out at 93 it still silenced oaklands bats pretty well. I admire how you put all this garbage about the sock behined you and come out and pitch a gem. Too bad about Pap, from TV he looked devastated and even though you can’t hear what he says it looks like he was beating up on himself pretty bad. Any way 1 gb, and 13 fly outs pretty sweet keep chuckin Curt!

I’m sure the SMA foundation raises lots of money for research, but after the Extreme Makeover cameras go home, what’s being done to really help all the OTHER people that are trying to live with that horrible illness? My 21 year old friend doesn’t need a “cure,” she needs help staying out of a nursing home, which is where she’s going to end up within a few months since she has no family to take care of her. A cure is a pipedream that might or might not ever happen…where are the resources for the severely disabled people living with SMA today?

Is This Really Curt SChilling????????? If This Is Can You Tell Me What It Was ike To Be On The D’Backs During 9/11 And The World Series AND Off Course Being With Randy Johnson (RJ). Can I Have Your Auto Grafh Or Jersey Or Phone Number

I am not sure you will read back this far, but if you do, I thought I would throw a question to you:

Q. Since there are not as many of those old-time players around that will put a rookie in his place, how do veteran players deal with the younger players that feel a sense of entitlement in this day and age? Is it more about taking them under your wing?

How many more purveyors of climate change have to "come clean" before the world gets the hoax? twitter.com/carbongate/sta…You never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have 2 hours ago